Become part of the RSM Christian School Community.
Helen Daewar
Mrs. Daewar brings to us over 12 years of experience as a lead teacher and holds a degree in Child Psychology and Development, along with all the required early childhood education units. She has a passion for working with young children. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling, all things vintage, sushi, and she has a middle schooler of her own that keeps her busy.Â
Becky Kapanka
Becky received her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Vanguard University. For 12 years, she managed an extended learning program, then became a stay-at-home mom for 3 years. In 2021, God opened the door for her to become a preschool teacher, and she has loved it ever since. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and daughter, going to the beach, traveling, and having coffee dates with friends.
Cheryl Freer
Mrs. Freer has over 30 years of experience in teaching and ministering to young children. She counts it an honor and a joy to teach, guide and help children grow in the love of Jesus. She obtained an Associate of Arts Degree from Saddleback College and her coursework in Early Childhood Education from Irvine Valley College. Mrs. Freer and her husband have raised three sons and have lived in their home in Mission Viejo since 1987. Her greatest joy is being a Grandma. She keeps busy serving in her church’s Children’s Ministry, greeting and hosting a Life Group. She loves spending time with her family and friends.
Kelli Hoffman
Kelli Hoffman received her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from California State Fullerton. She taught Kindergarten for a year and a half until her first child was born. She decided to then be a stay-at-home mom while raising her three children, Lauren, Lindsey, and Luke for over 18 years. She felt God calling her back into the classroom and is excited to be a part of the RSM Christian School community. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching her children play sports, and spending time outdoors. Â
Jodi Sabako
Jodi Sabako was one of the very first pioneers to move to RSM with her husband, Robbie, in 1986. They were blessed to raise their three now-adult children in this wonderful community. She has a strong love of children and animals. She practiced as an Animal Health Technician prior to finding her true calling to help build a strong learning foundation for preschoolers. Mrs. Sabako obtained her AA & AS degree from Mt. San Antonio College, holds an Early Childhood Certificate from Irvine Valley College, and a Master Teacher Permit with a focus on Math and Science. In her free time, Mrs. Sabako loves to walk her Rat Terrier, Mika, ride her E-bike, read, and spend as much time as possible with her family, which she loves dearly.
Ashley Leavitt
Ashley Leavitt attended Chapman University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She earned a Master of Science in Educational Counseling from National University. Mrs. Leavitt enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters (who attend RSM Christian). They love going to Disneyland, traveling as a family, and exploring new restaurants together. One of the things Mrs. Leavitt enjoys most about working with children is supporting them academically and emotionally.
Sarah Salazar
With over 15 years of experience teaching preschool-aged children, Sarah brings a joyful and creative approach to early education. She has a passion for music, having taught preschool music for five years and worked with students from toddlers to 6th grade. Originally pursuing music therapy, Sarah earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music performance and continues to perform professionally.
Sarah enjoys helping her students grow academically and creatively. She believes each child is unique and wants her students to know who they are and whose they are.Â
When she isn’t teaching or singing, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her Frenchie, Gio. She resides in Rancho Santa Margarita and is honored to be a part of the RSM Christian School family.Â
Yani Linnes
Yani Linnes worked for the past 10 years as a teacher’s aide and a Spanish teacher for children from Kindergarten through 3rd grade at Saddleback Valley Christian School. She is a licensed Cosmetologist and also graduated from Medical Assistant School.
She has been married to her husband, Bob, for the past 24 years, and they have two beautiful daughters. Her true passion and greatest joy are working with children. In her free time, Mrs. Linnes likes going on walks, watching the sunset, listening to music, and drinking coffee.
